When regular apple dip isn’t quite enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, try this irresistible caramel apple dip. It’s thick, gooey, and bursting with rich caramel flavor.
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Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Caramel apple dip is a sweet, creamy condiment. It mimics the flavor of caramel apples but in a more convenient, dip-friendly form. It’s a favorite for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor.
There are 2 types of caramel apple dip. The classic caramel-based dip mixes sugar, cream, butter, and vanilla into a thick, rich sauce. It tastes like traditional caramel apples, but easier to dip. The cream cheese-based dip blends the richness of caramel with the tang of cream cheese. It’s a smoother, less sweet option.
The dip is often served at parties, fall gatherings, or as a quick, sweet snack. You can customize it with various toppings or flavorings like cinnamon, peanut butter, nuts, toffee bits, or chocolate chips
The condiment is typically used as a dessert or snack dip. You can serve it with sliced apples, pear slices, pretzels, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, cinnamon sugar chips, or cookies like ginger snaps.
Here’s how to make the caramel apple dip, in 2 ways:
Caramel Apple Dip
Nutrition
Ingredients
Classic Caramel Apple Dip
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream warm
- 4 tbsp 1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cream cheese Caramel Apple dip
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
- Optional topping: crushed toffee bits or chopped nuts
Instructions
Classic Version
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently to combine, then cook over medium heat without stirring, until the mixture turns a deep golden color (about 8–10 minutes).
- Carefully whisk in the warm cream (it will bubble vigorously).
- Add butter, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Let cool slightly, then pour into a serving bowl.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with apple slices.
Cream Cheese Version
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a shallow serving dish or bowl.
- Pour caramel sauce over the top and gently spread it to cover the surface.
- Sprinkle toffee bits or nuts if desired.
- Chill until ready to serve. Serve with freshly sliced apples.
Notes
- Use green apples (like Granny Smith) for a tart contrast to the sweet dip.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar.
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently to soften.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Caramel apple dip comes in several popular versions.
- Caramel Apple Toffee Dip blends cream cheese, caramel dip, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and crunchy toffee bits. This version adds texture and extra sweetness. It’s a popular party appetizer or dessert dip with apples or other dippers like cookies and pretzels.
- Healthy Date-Based Caramel Dip uses Medjool dates, almond butter, hot water, vanilla, and optional cinnamon to create a healthier, natural caramel-flavored dip. It’s sticky and sweet without refined sugars.
- Raw Salted Caramel Apple Dip uses salted caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Dairy-Free Version uses cream cheese substitutes.
- Topping Versions include coconut flakes, chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like peanuts or almonds), Heath Bar or toffee bits, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or even candy sprinkles. These add texture and extra flavor layers to the dip.